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Suggestions included; education - ethnic minorities being encouraged to join mainstream groups, such as 'Connecting Communities' which help to encourage people to work together and socialise with one another. Advertising was also an issue in the discussion. A very good suggestion was made that involves the young people creating their own media, such as a video tape about racism, giving emphasis on their own experiences of being victims of racism in the U.K to the viewer.
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CONNECTING COMMUNITIES: THE YOUNG PEOPLES` PROJECT
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Report on racism workshop provided by Ged Grebby, project co-ordinator for `SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD`. |
One of the issues, which young people had identified as being important to work on, was racism. To take this issue forward 'Show Racism the Red Card' had been asked to provide workshop training. Mr. Ged Grebby led the workshops. |
Ged explained how and why 'Show Racism the Red Card' campaign had began, highlighting recent developments throughout Europe. Ged stressed that the campaign was about racism in society, not just football. Discussion about the more recent worrying trends involving asylum seekers and refugees. |
The young people were shown the video 'Show Racism the Red Card', then they were divided into three groups to discuss a number of the issues that was raised in the video. The issues included: |
What is Racism? |
High-level media cases of racism involving Bowyer and Woodgate (football players), Damilola Taylor and Stephen Lawrence were also discussed in the groups. |
Where does Racism come from? |
Bad role models, fear, peer pressure, lack of understanding, not respecting people's beliefs, parental influence, jealousy, and bullying were identified. Television and films were given as examples, the main focus being upon how beliefs were swayed by the media during the recent middle east conflicts. Other aspects within this discussion included politics, the BNP and National Front parties, and the rise of people voting for them. |
Myths About Asylum Seekers |
Groups discussed both positive and negative myths which have surrounded asylum seekers for decades. This was particularly educational and informative for the young people as it became evident that many were not aware of some of these myths - Ged was able to dispel the majority of the myths involving, mobile phones, fashionable clothing, free food, how asylum seekers are apparently uneducated, how taxes have been increased to pay for asylum seekers and refugees, and that the best housing is offered to these groups. |
The workshops came to a conclusion by discussing, |
'Ideas on how to fight racism' |
Ged was thanked by all concerned for his valuable input and his help is greatly appreciated. |
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